A CARE HOME in Andover has welcomed a new general manager.

Staff at Barchester Healthcare’s Rothsay Grange Care Home in Andover have welcomed a new general manager to head up the team running the 66-bed home.

Gemma Hicks has taken over the role. She has worked in the healthcare sector since 2015, in both public and independent services.

As an experienced general manager, she qualified as a registered adult nurse in 2006 from the University of Southampton School of Nursing and Midwifery and then began her nursing career in the social care sector. 

Her love for working with the elderly came, like many, from "looking after her grandmother in her teenage years."Andover Advertiser: Gemma receives a welcome from staff membersGemma receives a welcome from staff members (Image: Barchester Healthcare)

Rothsay Grange which is currently undergoing significant refurbishment is one of over 200 care homes owned by Barchester Healthcare.

The home regularly holds events and activities for its residents and surrounding neighbours.

Gemma said: "I am delighted to join the team here at Rothsay Grange and am enjoying meeting and getting to know our residents, family and friends as well as learning more about the local community.

"I am also particularly excited that the home is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme, which will be completed early in the New Year, that will further boost our ability to provide high-quality care, and along with my team look forward to showing off the home to the local community when the work is completed."

Johanna Fitzgerald, regional operations director, said: "I am delighted to welcome Gemma to the team here at Rothsay Grange as I know that she will continue our commitment to providing high-quality care and I am sure that Gemma will be a big hit with our residents."